You are here

Open MRI Scans – a solution for claustrophobics

It is basically a noninvasive imaging technology which produces some three dimensional complete anatomical images without using damaging radiation.

MRI has some advantages over normal X-rays and CT scans because it can reveal the inner workings of the human body in much better detail. But the problem is that it involves lying for 15 minutes or half an hour in a confined 70cm wide tube due to which many of the patients everyday in the hospital for MRI scan will ask to get out of the MRI machine before doctors have even had time to take their scan. In addition to that the machine produces large clicking and rotating sounds making the experience more disorienting and unpleasant.

It has been estimated that in conventional closed MRI scanners 10% of the referred patients in hospitals are unable to receive the scan mainly because of anxiety and claustrophobia. Some other researchers have shown that one in six patients suffer from these panic attacks and claustrophobia in the MRI machines.

Open MRI Scanners

Open MRI Scanner machines have been developed by scientists to overcome these problems. The basic technology of these open scanners is similar to the traditional MRI scanners. The main difference is that instead of having to go into a torpedo tube the open scanner is broad and open on three sides, which allows more space around the patient’s body and lessens the feelings of anxiety. In addition to removing the risk of claustrophobia the open scanner is ideal for the patients who are unable to fit into the confined space of the conventional scanner due to their size and weight.

The idea of the open scanner was developed in the 80s and machines were commercially available by the 90s. However, they weren’t popular among the radiologists at the start because of their inferior scan quality, mainly because they work at lower magnetic fields than the conventional closed scanners. Open scanners have become popular now as the manufacturers have increased their quality. Scientists and companies are further working on MRI scanners to enhance the quality and experience for patients all over the world.

Advantages of Open MRI

There are many advantages of the open MRI systems over the traditional closed MRI tunnel systems. They help to keep the patients calm and deliver stress free experience. That is because facing the open air in front of them significantly decreases the chances of claustrophobia-related symptoms in patients.

Furthermore it’s also less intimidating for children because in open MRI scanners they can see their parents and be at ease throughout the scanning process.

Upright MRI scanner

Scientists have also developed another form of open MRI scanners usually known as the upright MRI scanners which are a more expensive than the normal open MRI scanners but are more beneficial in some cases.

Author

Dr (Mr) Kirti Moholkar

Knee Surgeon

After training on the North Western & West Midlands Specialist Registrar training programme, Mr Moholkar took up the post of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in December 2004....read more